Applicator for skincare products

ABSTRACT

An applicator for skincare products includes a handle and an applicator head on or over which an applicator pad can be stretched or otherwise attach. The pad serves as a means to apply to the skin a variety of skincare products, such as lotions, oils, or serums for beauty, medication, or protection purposes. The desired skincare product is applied to the pad either by dipping the pad into the product, by direct application of the product to the pad, or ejected or expelled from within the applicator. The pad may be re-usable, washable, or disposable, and may have different shapes and textures.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-in-part of PCT/US2022/034402 filed Jun. 21, 2022, which in turn claims priority to and benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/212,110 filed Jun. 18, 2021, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Currently, most skincare products (including any form of topical agent) are applied to the skin using a finger or fingers. Typically, a person that wishes to apply skincare products to their own skin or the skin of another person uses their finger(s) for topical application. This typical practice creates genuine problems, whether the skincare product being applied to the skin is for beauty, medication, or protection purposes.

Beauty skincare products, such as lotions, oils, creams, serums, ointments, make-up, and the like, are often costly due to a combination of active ingredients, some of which have been developed through unique technological and/or biological advancements or formulations. Beauty skincare products are typically applied by a person to the face, neck, or chest areas using finger(s). This poses a two-fold problem. The first problem is that by inserting finger(s) into the jar or container that holds the beauty skincare product, a person can inadvertently introduce germs, bacteria, and other impurities that can degrade and compromise the integrity of the beauty skincare product. Some beauty skincare companies have tried to address this problem in various ways including by utilizing a dropper, pump or other device or tool to apply the beauty skincare product directly to the desired area, but this can be clumsy and/or result in ineffective application because skin application by finger(s) remains necessary. The second problem is the amount of beauty skincare product that can be absorbed by the skin of a person's finger(s) in connection with the application of the beauty skincare product. Considering the high price and low volume of many beauty skincare products, the unavoidable wastage of product can result in significant cost downsides.

Medication skincare products, such as medicated lotions, oils, creams, serums, ointments, and the like, have active medicated ingredients which may also be expensive. Medication skincare products are typically applied topically by a person to the skin. This poses a two-fold problem. The first problem is that by inserting finger(s) into the jar or container that holds the medication skincare product, a person can inadvertently introduce germs, bacteria, and other impurities that can degrade and compromise the integrity of the medication skincare product. The second problem is the amount of medication skincare product that can be absorbed by the skin of a person's finger(s) in connection with the application of the medication skincare product. This can cause medical concern if the skin of the finger(s) absorbs undue medication, such as steroids, and also can cause wastage of product and consequent expense through unnecessary absorption. Medication skincare products can include steroids, antibiotics, antiviral agents, nanoparticles, and or other therapeutic agents formulated to treat the skin.

Protection skincare products, such as sunscreen, zinc oxide, tanning lotion, lotions, and other such oils, creams, serums, ointments, and the like, pose additional problems when applied to the skin using finger(s). Protection skincare products are typically applied in an outdoor setting with limited or no access to washing facilities. Finger(s) can be sandy, dirty, or sweaty at the time of application, necessitating washing hands before application or risk having sand, dirt, or sweat rubbed on the skin along with the protection skincare product. The presence of protection skincare product on the finger(s) after application can cause additional problems, such as leaving hands oily or greasy which is a particular issue for athletes who require unsullied/dry grip, or by forcing the applying person to get rid of the excess, such as by wiping on a towel, blanket, or other fabric, which can be inconvenient and messy and risk staining or damaging the fabric, or generally leave residue in the environment of application such as in a vehicle or on belongings.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates generally to the field of applicators for a variety of skincare products. More specifically, the present invention relates to an applicator apparatus having a handle and an applicator head, which may pivot, on or over which a removable applicator pad can be stretched or otherwise attach, and which serves as a means to apply to the skin a variety of skincare products such as lotions, oils, or serums for beauty, medication, or protection purposes.

To provide easy, clean, and effective application of skincare products, an applicator according to the disclosed embodiments may be used. The applicator solves, for example, the various problems discussed above by providing systems and methods of applying skincare products that avoid contamination, wastage through absorption, and/or mess and inconvenience.

One aspect of the invention relates to an applicator for skincare products. The applicator includes a handle and applicator head which may pivot. The applicator further includes an, optionally removable, applicator pad that can be stretched on or over or otherwise attach to the applicator head. The applicator pad may be re-usable, washable, disposable, soft, smooth and/or textured, and/or configured to be heated (for example in a microwave) and/or cooled (for example in a freezer) to enhance the application process and/or to enable the use of the pad for massaging and/or depuffing purposes. For example, in some embodiments the applicator pad is configured to be heated and used with heat activated skincare products.

In some embodiments, the handle is removable from the applicator head. In some embodiments the applicator pad has different shapes or textures that assist in the application of the skincare products.

Another aspect of the invention relates to methods of applying skincare products. The methods include holding the applicator by the handle and dipping the head covered with the pad into the skincare product and then applying the skincare product residue picked up by the pad on the skin.

In some embodiments, the method further includes holding the applicator by the handle and directly dripping, applying, or squirting the skincare product onto the head covered with the pad and applying the skincare product residue on the pad to the skin.

In some embodiments, the method further includes having the skincare product applied by way of ejection or expulsion from within the applicator head or the applicator handle onto the applicator pad and applying the skincare product residue on the pad to the skin. The applicator pad is optionally provided pre-loaded with one or more of the skincare products discussed herein.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features, characteristics, and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description of embodiments of the present disclosure, made with reference to the drawings annexed, in which like reference characters refer to like elements.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an applicator apparatus 100 comprising an applicator handle 110, and applicator head 120 and an applicator pad 130, according to exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the applicator apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 , according to exemplary embodiments, where an upper handle 110A, an optional handle trim 110B, a lower handle 110C, the applicator head 120, and the applicator pad 130 are disengaged.

FIG. 3 shows multiple views of the upper handle 110A for use with the applicator apparatus of FIG. 1 , according to exemplary embodiments. The views include top view of the upper handle 110A with exemplary/optional logo placement, and a side, cross-section C-C, view of the upper handle 110A showing the front slot 112 for placement of a lower handle 110B connector tab 113.

FIG. 4 shows multiple views of the optional handle trim 110B for use with the applicator apparatus of FIG. 1 , according to exemplary embodiments. The views include a cross-section view of the optional handle trim 110B from the side of its longer diameter (B-B), and a cross-section view of the optional handle trim 110B from the side of its shorter diameter (A-A).

FIG. 5 shows multiple views of the lower handle 110C for use with the applicator apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 , according to exemplary embodiments. The views include a top and side views of the lower handle 110C showing the connector tab 113 configured to slide into the upper handle 110A, and two connector prongs 114 that slot into the slots in the applicator head 120. The views also include a cross-section A-A view of the lower handle 110C.

FIG. 6 shows multiple views of the applicator head 120 for use as part of the applicator apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 , according to exemplary embodiments. The views include a cross-section A-A of the applicator head 120, a top view and various corresponding side views.

FIG. 7A shows multiple views of an exemplar applicator pad 130 with textured bumps 135 for use with the applicator apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 , according to exemplary embodiments. The views include a top view of the applicator pad 130., an A-A cross-section and a B-B cross-section.

FIG. 7B shows multiple views of an exemplar applicator pad 130 with smooth surface for use with the applicator apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 , according to exemplary embodiments. The views include a top view of the applicator pad 130, an A-A cross-section and a C-C cross-section.

FIG. 8 illustrates a method of applying a skincare product, according to various embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various aspects of the disclosure will now be described with regard to certain examples and embodiments, which are intended to illustrate but not to limit the disclosure. Nothing in this disclosure is intended to imply that any particular feature or characteristic of the disclosed embodiments is essential. The scope of protection is not defined by any particular embodiment described herein. Before turning to the figures, which illustrate exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of the description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 , an applicator apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. The applicator apparatus has a handle 110 together with an applicator head 120 and an applicator pad 130.

The applicator apparatus may be different sizes depending on its intended use. For example, a smaller size is likely to be desired with regard to applying skincare products to the face, neck, and chest, whereas a larger size is likely to be desired with regard to applying skincare products to other parts of the body.

In FIG. 1 , the handle 110 the applicator head 120, and the applicator pad 130 are shown attached. FIG. 2 depicts the handle 110 shown comprising optionally of an upper handle 110A a handle trim 110B and a lower handle 110C along with the applicator head 120 and the applicator pad 130 separated. In some embodiments, the applicator apparatus is constructed with the handle 110 as a unitary, substantially inseparable piece. In some embodiments, the applicator apparatus is constructed with the handle 110 and the applicator head 120 as a unitary, substantially inseparable piece. In each embodiment, the applicator pad 130 may be connected to or removable from the applicator head 120, and may be re-usable, washable, or disposable.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 4 AND 5 , these are exemplar component parts of the handle 110 consisting of an upper handle 110A, a handle trim 110B, and a lower handle 110C.

The handle 110 may be one piece or may be more than one piece such as in FIGS. 3, 4 AND 5 . The handle 110 may be telescoping, including to allow access to hard-to-reach areas of the body such as the back.

The handle 110 may provide a gripping area for a person to hold the applicator apparatus. A gripping area of the handle 110 may be shaped to provide an ergonomic grip, or may have a shape that coordinates with a person's hand—such as having finger ridges, thumb rests, enlarged portions for the palm area, or the like.

The handle 110 may be made of plastic, rubber, wood (including bamboo), metal, hard silicone, or a combination of different manmade or natural elements. The handle 110 may be textured or composed to facilitate efficient gripping.

The handle 110 may be solid, or it may contain, or be configured to allow the loading or input of, skincare product that can be ejected or expelled into or onto the applicator head 120 or the applicator pad 130. The handle 110 may be preloaded with skincare product.

The handle 110 may be configured to vibrate, rotate, and/or otherwise move by way of internal motor, batteries, through electric charging, and/or the like. The handle 110 optionally includes a power/heat source (and/ or control circuit therefor) configured to heat the applicator head 120 and/or the applicator pad 130. The handle 110 optionally includes a light source. (Not shown)

Referring to FIG. 6 , this is an exemplar applicator head 120 which, in this embodiment, is configured to be detachable from the handle 110 and which is configured to enable an applicator pad 130 to be stretched on or over the applicator head 120.

The applicator head 120 may be connected to the handle 110 or may be removable from the handle 110. The applicator head 120 may pivot.

The applicator head 120 may be disposable. The applicator head 120 may be preloaded with skincare product. For example, the applicator head 120 may be configured to hold a reservoir of skincare product, which can be extruded through the applicator pad 130 under control of a user. The applicator head 120 may be hard or flexible. The applicator head 120 may be oval, circular, or other shape configured to maximize the efficiency and efficacy of application to the skin of a variety of skincare products. The applicator head 120 may be preloaded with any of the types of skincare products discussed herein. The applicator head 120 is optionally configured to be heated. For example, the applicator head 120 and/or the applicator pad 130 may be specifically configured to retain heat after being held under hot water (or exposed to some other heat source), and/or may be heated using a heating coil (or other mechanism) powered by a power source (e.g., a battery within applicator handle 110). For example, applicator pad 130 may include a metal, gel, and/or fluid configured to retain heat. The applicator head 120 is optionally configured to be cooled. For example, the applicator head 120 and/or the applicator pad 130 may be specifically configured to retain cold after being placed in a freezer (or exposed to some other cooling source), and/or may be cooled using a cooling coil (or other mechanism) powered by a power source (e.g., a battery within applicator handle 110). For example, applicator pad 130 may include a metal, gel, and/or fluid configured to retain cold. Applicator pad 130 and/or applicator head 120 optionally include a phase change material configured to remain cool. Applicator pad 130 and/or applicator head 120 optionally include chemical compounds configured to cool or heat when mixed, such as those found in commercially available cold or hot packs. Applicator head 120 is optionally connected to a temperature control circuit. Applicator head 120 is optionally configured to rest within a separate heating or cooling block (not shown). Such heating or cooling block may be configured to receive the shape of applicator head 120 (e.g., including applicator pad 130), and/or may include a temperature control circuit.

Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, these are exemplar applicator pads 130 which are configured to stretch onto the applicator head 120, and which are designed to be re-usable, washable, or disposable. The applicator pad 130 may be made from different materials, such as food grade silicone, rubber, or other similar substance. Like the applicator head 120, the applicator pad 130 may be configured to be preloaded with any of the types of skincare products discussed herein. For example, the applicator pad 130 may include a hydrogel infused with acne medication and may be configured to extrude the medication onto the skin when compressed.

The applicator pad 130 may be configured to stretch on or over the applicator head 120 or otherwise fit around the applicator head 120. The applicator pad 130 may have a tab or tabs to assist the placement of the applicator pad 130 onto the applicator head 120. The applicator pad 130 may have the goal of being removable from the head 120 by way of stretching.

The applicator pad 130 may be configured to attach or stick to the applicator head 120 using an adhesive, vacuum, micro-hooks, surface tension, and/or other manner of attachment. The applicator pad 130 may be configured to fit at least partially around the applicator head 120. The applicator pad 130 may be configured to fit within a slot of the applicator head 120. In some embodiments applicator pad 130 and/or applicator head 120 include a magnet. In some embodiments applicator pad 130 and/or applicator head 120 include a circuit configured to drive positive and/or negative ions to or from the skin.

The applicator pad 130 may be made of gel, silicone, rubber, or other substance designed to maximize the efficiency and efficacy of application to the skin of a variety of skincare products. The applicator pad 130 may include a hydrogel or an aerogel. For example, the applicator pad 130 may include a hydrogel infused with a skincare product. The applicator pad 130 may be re-usable, washable, or disposable. The applicator pad 130 may be designed for single use, or it may have a surface that enables a film or surface to be peeled off of the pad 130, or otherwise removed, after each use or after several uses. The applicator pad 130 may include a reservoir configured to hold one or more skincare products.

The applicator pad 130 may be hard, medium, or soft, or other variety of consistency, pliability, or elasticity. The applicator pad 130 may have different textures such as smooth, bumpy, dimpled, bristly, grooved, channeled, indented, or other texture. The applicator pad 130 includes at least one side that is textured or smooth and disposed to come in contact with the skin of the user. For example, in some embodiments, the textured surface includes a set of bristles. The applicator pad 130 may be impermeable/unabsorbent, absorbent, hydrophilic, or hydrophobic. The applicator head 120 may be oval, circular, or other shape. The applicator pad 130 will be designed and configured to maximize the efficiency and efficacy of application to the skin of a variety of skincare products. The applicator pad may be configured to be heated, such as in a microwave. The applicator pad may be designed to be cooled, such as by storage in a freezer. The applicator pad, with or without the addition of skincare product, and/or with or without being heated or cooled, may be used for skin massaging, depuffing and/or exfoliating purposes.

The applicator pad 130 may have a surface that is designed to be hygienic such as by using antibacterial covering. The applicator pad 130 may have pores that permit skincare product to be applied by way of ejection or expulsion from the applicator head 120 or the handle 110.

The applicator apparatus may be accompanied by, or stored in, a separate container or dispensary which facilitates the addition or skincare products to the apparatus or acts as a cleaning device or mechanism for the apparatus. Some embodiments include a kit comprising an applicator (including handle 110 and applicator head 120) and a plurality of applicator pads 130. The applicator pads 130 are optionally stored in a hermetically sealed container.

The apparatus in its various embodiments is an element of a method for effective application to the skin of a variety of skincare products, which comprises attaching an applicator pad 130 to an applicator head 120 of an applicator, applying a skincare product to the applicator pad 130, applying the skincare product to a skin of a person using the applicator and, in some methods, the applicator head 120 pivoting relative to a handle 110 of the applicator during application of the skincare product.

FIG. 8 illustrates methods of applying a skincare product to the skin of a user, according to various embodiments of the invention. The methods may be used to apply any of the skincare products discussed herein and are optionally performed using the apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, 7A, and/or 7B.

In an attach pad step 810 a removable applicator pad, such as applicator pad 130 is attached to an applicator. This attachment may be to a pivoting applicator head such as applicator head 120. The applicator pad may be attached by wrapping around the applicator head, sliding through a slit in the applicator head, using adhesives, using vacuum, and/or any other attachment method described herein. For example, applicator pad 130 may be attached to applicator head 120 using a curved edge that circumscribes the perimeter of a round or oval applicator pad and is configured to wrap over an outer edge of applicator head 120. Applicator pad 130 may include an adhesive configured to stick to applicator head 120. Applicator pad 130 may be configured to create a vacuum between applicator pad 130 and applicator head 120. For example, by creating a seal and being compressible so as to expel air from a closed cavity between applicator pad 130 and applicator head 120. Typically, attach pad step 810 is regularly performed to replace used applicator pads with new/fresh applicator pads.

Attach pad step 810 optionally includes attaching applicator head 120 to applicator handle 110. For example, in some embodiments, applicator head 120 and applicator pad come preassembled and optionally preloaded with skincare product. Thus, attach pad step 810 may be performed by a user or a manufacturer.

In an apply to pad step 820 a skincare product is added to the applicator pad 130. The skincare product can include any one or more known skincare product, for example, those discussed herein. The skincare product may be added to a surface or interior of the applicator pad 130. For example, a skincare product may be applied to a surface of the applicator pad from a tube, syringe, tub, packet, and/or other container. The applicator pad may be dipped into the skincare product; and/or applied as a spray, aerosol, gel, paste, powder, fluid, and/or the like. Alternatively, the skincare product may be infused within the applicator pad. Such infusion may occur before or after generation of the applicator pad. For example, in embodiments in which the applicator pad includes a hydrogel, the skin care product may be present and distributed within the applicator pad at the time the hydrogel is formed. Alternatively, the skincare product may be introduced into the applicator pad from outside the applicator pad using a pressure differential or fluid flow.

Apply to pad step 820 may be performed before or after attach pad step 810. For example, applicator pad 130 may be prefilled or pre-loaded with the skincare product(s), prior to attach pad step 810.

In an apply to skin step 830 the skincare product(s) are applied to the skin of a user/recipient using the applicator. Typically, the application includes rotation and/or pivoting of the applicator head relative to a handle of the applicator. For example, pivoting of applicator head 120 relative to applicator handle 110. The skin care product is optionally extruded from the applicator pad during apply to skin step 830, and/or may be delivered to the skin from the surface of applicator pad.

The construction and arrangement of the elements of the applicator apparatus or method as shown in the exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied.

Additionally, the word “exemplary” is used to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples). Rather, use of the word “exemplary” is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, any element (e.g., handle 110, applicator head 120, applicator pad 130) disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. Also, for example, the order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating configuration, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 

I claim:
 1. An apparatus for applying a skincare product to skin of a user, the apparatus comprising: an applicator including a handle and an applicator head, and an applicator pad configured to removably attach to the applicator head.
 2. A method for application of a skincare product to skin of a user, the method comprising: attaching an applicator pad to a head of an applicator; applying a skincare product to the applicator pad; applying the skincare product to a skin of a person using the applicator, the application including pivoting of the head of the applicator relative to a handle of the applicator.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the applicator head is configured to pivot relative to the handle.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the applicator pad includes at least one side that is textured and disposed to come in contact with skin of the user.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the applicator pad comprises silicone or rubber.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the applicator pad comprises a hydrogel.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the applicator pad is preloaded with a skincare product.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the applicator handle or applicator head are configured to vibrate.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the applicator pad is configured to removably attach to the applicator head by fitting around the applicator head.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the applicator pad is configured to removably attach to the applicator head via an adhesive or a slot within the applicator head.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the applicator head or applicator handle is configured to provide the skincare product to the applicator pad.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the applicator pad has a surface that enables a film or surface to be removed from the applicator pad.
 13. The method of claim 2, further comprising attaching the head of the applicator to the handle of the applicator.
 14. The method of claim 2, wherein attaching the applicator pad to the head of the applicator includes wrapping the applicator pad around the head of the applicator, and the applicator pad is round or oval.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the applicator pad is round or oval.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the applicator pad includes silicone, rubber or a hydrogel.
 17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the applicator pad is textured.
 18. The method of claim 2, wherein the skincare product is applied to the applicator pad prior to attaching the applicator pad to the head of the applicator.
 19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the applicator head and/or the applicator pad include a material configured to retain heat or cold.
 20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the applicator head includes a heat source.
 21. The apparatus claim 1, wherein the applicator pad is configured to absorb a skincare product.
 22. A kit comprising: the apparatus of claim 1; and a plurality of applicator pads configured to removably attach to the applicator head by fitting around the applicator head, the applicator pads being configured to apply a skincare product to skin of a user. 